Formed by volcanic activity, Upolu is a tropical island that’s part of the Samoan Archipelago and lures sunseekers in with its golden beaches, turquoise lagoons and sultry weather. Whether you want to soak up the local culture or escape to one of the island's sun-drenched beaches, Upolu is brimming with unique Polynesian experiences.
Things to do in Upolu
Upolu makes it easy to slip into island time with a handful of stunning beaches to relax on, including the idyllic Lalomanu Beach. You can bask in the Samoan sunshine or snorkel with schools of tropical fish and endangered green turtles.
Upolu is anchored by Apia, Samoa's bustling capital. Set on a natural harbour, it's a great place to shop, dine and discover more about the local culture. For a glimpse at how the locals live, head to Maketi Fou to pick up tropical fruits and handmade coconut shell jewellery.
Venture into Upolu's interior and you'll find a wonderland of lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls and hidden lagoons. To Sua Ocean Trench is one of Samoa's most photographed attractions, accessed by a wooden ladder that descends 20 metres to a shimmering turquoise pool.
For a culture fix, don’t miss the fascinating Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. The magnificent estate was once home to the famous Scottish author and now houses a museum with antiques, sepia photographs and plenty of Treasure Island memorabilia.
Getting around Upolu
Upolu is well-serviced by a network of local buses that run from Apia to almost every town and village on the island. If you want to explore Upolu at your own pace, you can hire a car. From Apia, the 40-kilometre drive to Faleolo International Airport takes around one hour, with local shuttles also making the trip.